Solar energy collection

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for concentrating and collecting solar energy are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, solar energy is concentrated by economical refringent lenses or lens systems including fluid lenses and/or Fresnel-type lenses. The lenses concentrate the solar energy preferably along lines in continuous linear foci or in discrete foci at an elongated collector comprising one or more fluid-carrying conduits and one or more fluids therein. In one embodiment, a plurality of photoelectric cells are located in or on the collector along the linear foci or at the discrete foci and operate at increased efficiency with heat being removed by the collector. A first fluid in the collector is heated by the concentrated solar energy and in a preferred embodiment is used to heat a second fluid contiguous to the first fluid, the first fluid having a boiling point exceeding that of the second fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the first fluid is carried in an inner conduit while the second fluid is carried by an outer conduit which encloses the inner conduit and first fluid. Thus, the two fluids can be heated to different temperatures by a single concentrating system and used for different purposes. Additionally, the invention provides for the storage of energy using two fluids of different boiling points. Also disclosed are methods and fixed and portable apparatus for distilling water containing salt or other substances by evaporation of the water and condensation of the water vapor wherein preferably the heat of condensation is recovered. The invention also provides for assemblies of individual systems to form larger systems. The present invention provides heat from solar energy at a cost competitive with heat produced from fuels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for concentratingand collecting solar energy for many uses including the conversionthereof to heat energy and/or electrical energy to be used for manypurposes. The present invention also relates to the storage and use ofheat energy during hours without sun or with reduced sun. The presentinvention further relates to the treatment of water containing saltand/or other substances using fixed and portable apparatus and methodsaccording to the invention. More particularly, the invention relates tomethods and apparatus using fluid and/or Fresnel concentrating lensesand lens systems and elongated collectors comprising at least onefluid-carrying conduit located at the foci of the lenses.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The energy emitted by the sun corresponds to a high temperature in theorder of 6000° C., and is emitted in the form of radiation which arrivesat the earth with a wavelength distribution comprising about 3%ultraviolet rays, 42% visible light rays, and about 55% infrared rays.It is well known that surfaces exposed to the sun collect at least tosome degree the solar radiation and that the absorption of thisradiation results in a heating of the material constituting the surface.It is also known that electricity can be produced by photoelectricdevices exposed to the sun's rays.

There have been many attempts in the past to collect and utilizepollution-free and essentially nonconsumable solar energy to meet manyenergy needs. Much attention has been directed to the conversion andutilization of solar energy in the past few years because of therealization that fossil fuels are exhaustable and that a burning ofthese fuels produces pollution. Solar energy, on the other hand, isinexhaustable and available above the clouds at an average energy levelof approximately 1350 watts per horizontal square meter. A percentage ofthis energy, depending on atmospheric and weather conditions, dust,pollution, etc., is available at the surface of the earth during periodsof sunshine which vary up to about 4000 hours per year depending onlocation. Even more recently, the shortage of fossil fuels particularlyoil and the high cost thereof have sparked new attempts to harness theenergy of the sun. As in the past, however, fuels are still a lesserexpensive source of energy and the same problems of high capital costand the cyclic nature of the sun requiring storage capability have stillnot been satisfactorily solved. For example, refringent lens focusingsystems, most using reflecting collectors and most includingsun-tracking systems, have heretofore been used but are uneconomical andimpractical because of the high cost involved. A conventional way forobtaining lower temperatures up to about 80° C. consists of usingdark-colored panels which absorb the solar radiation, and combiningthese panels with means circulating a heat-carrying fluid in aheat-exchanging manner with the panels. It is also known to improve theefficiency of these systems by placing one or more glass plates abovethe panels to produce a greenhouse effect for reducing heat losses.However, the efficiency of these panel systems is low, from about 30% toabout 60%, and they require large spaces resulting in large heat losses,and they also require a high captial investment. The use of Fresnel-typelenses and fluid lenses is known in the art for focusing solar energy.See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,915,148; 3,125,091; 937,013;3,965,683; 3,901,036; 60,109; 1,081,098; Japanese Pat. No. 28-2130, andAustralian Pat. No. 131,069. However, none of the known systems iscapable of converting and storing solar energy efficiently and none canproduce heat at an economical capital investment such that the use ofsolar energy is competitive with other energies. The prior art also doesnot disclose obtaining temperatures in the order of a few hundreddegrees C. while also obtaining at the same time lower temperaturesusable for home heating and water heating or other purposes. Nor isthere in the prior art a system which is capable of storing heat energyfrom solar energy during periods of interrupted solar energy for anylength of time and which also is capable of providing differenttemperatures simultaneously and also utilizing the luminous and infraredrays of the sun. With respect to electrical generation, it is known thatconcentrating the solar energy at a photoelectric cell will increase theelectrical output of cell; however, there is the disadvantage that theincreased heat in the photoelectric cell resulting from theconcentration will also limit the cell output. Known photovoltaicdevices produce a maximum of about one watt per hour per cell. Assuminga cost of $10 per photovoltaic cell, a system using non-concentratedsolar energy to generate about 1 kilowatt per hour requires a capitalcost of at least $10,000 which is not competitive for normal uses. Withrespect to solar stills, known stills used for distillation of seawaterhave low efficiencies and the cost of heating the water is high as theleast amount of heat required to vaporized the water is not recoveredfrom the condensation but rather is lost.

In accordance with the invention the prior art drawbacks anddisadvantages are substantially overcome and additional advantagesrealized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is embodied in and carried out by methods andapparatus for concentrating, collecting, storing and utilizing solarenergy. In accordance with the invention, refringent less meansconcentrate the solar energy along a length at elongated collector meanscontaining at least one fluid therein. Further in accordance with theinvention, the lens means comprise economical fluid or Fresnel-typelenses and lens systems which focus the solar energy substantially alongthe length at the collector means along substantially continuous linesor in lines of substantially discrete points. Thus, the at least onefluid in the elongated collector may be efficiently heated to hightemperatures in the order of a few hundred degrees C. The fluid lensesare advantageously made from separate upper and lower solar energytransmitting plates which are installed in frame means in a fluid-tightmanner, or the fluid lenses may be welded, extruded, or blown similar toglass or plastic bottles. The fluid within the lenses preferably has anindex of refraction similar to that of lens plates. The enclosure in thelens containing the fluid is advantageously communicated with thecollector means to enhance performance. Still further in accordance withthe invention, the elongated collector means comprises a plurality offluids, adjacent ones of which are contiguous. The fluids are preferablyisolated and disposed in adjacent conduits and the fluids preferablydiffer and have varying boiling points. The theoretical focus or foci ofthe lens means are preferably on the surface of or within the higher orhighest boiling point liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the elongatedcollector means comprises at least two conduits; one of the conduitscontaining a first fluid having a first boiling point is located withina second conduit containing a second fluid having a second boilingpoint. Preferably, the solar energy is concentrated at the inner liquidwhich has a boiling point which exceeds that of the outer liquid. Theconduits and fluids are solar energy transmitting or opaque or darkeneddepending on the location of the lens means focus. By solar energytransmitting it is meant that the solar rays are substantiallytransmitted through the material as opposed to being absorbed and withrespect to the luminous rays of the sun is synonymous with the wordtransparent. In this way, the fluid may be heated to differenttemperatures and accordingly can be utilized for different purposes, ifdesired. Regulation of the fluid flow rates and selection of conduitsizes and shapes assists in providing different temperatures which maybe utilized for different purposes. Arrangement of multiple conduitscarrying multiple fluids in accordance with the invention can provideenergy for many different uses including a vapor and super-heated vaporfor mechanical devices including turbines. Avantageously, the lowerboiling point fluid has a low latent heat of vaporization and is usefulfor this purpose. Additionally, heat is stored in the higher boilingpoint fluid by permitting its temperature to rise during periods ofsolar energy to a temperature substantially higher than that of thelower boiling point fluid which may be used as a working fluid. Heat isremoved from the higher boiling temperature fluid by, for example,circulating the lower boiling point fluid past the higher boiling pointfluid. The invention also provides for the union of individual systemsto form larger composite systems. Thus, a high degree of concentrationof solar energy is possible. Still further in accordance with theinvention, both the infrared and luminous rays of the sun may besimultaneously utilized. Photoelectric cells can be disposed at thecollector means such that the luminous rays are concentrated thereat formaximum electrical energy production while the heat generated by theconcentration of the infrared rays is removed by one or more fluids inthe collector means whose flow rates and volumes may be regulated. Thus,in accordance with the invention, the solar energy is concentrated by afactor in the order of up to 50 to 100 so that one of the known cells isable to produce up to 50 to 100 watts per hour instead of 1 watt perhour during periods of sunshine. Further in accordance with the presentinvention, water may be distilled by locating the collector means in thewater to be distilled, above which is positioned lens means and adownwardly sloping substantially smooth, preferably planar surface,whereby water is evaporated and condenses on the smooth surface whichcarries the condensed water to a collecting vessel positioned below thelower side thereof. Means are provided to completely enclose theapparatus while permitting movement of the lens or the entire system totrack the sun seasonally or daily. It is preferred that the lens systemfor the water distilling apparatus comprise fluid lens means whichinclude said smooth surface and in which the solar energy transmittingfluid forming part of the lens means is circulated within the collectormeans to advantageously utilize the latent heat released by the vaporcondensing on said smooth surface and transferred to the water to bedistilled. The heat released by the condensing water is thus not lostand returned to the system by means of the lens fluid and thecirculation thereof, thereby increasing substantially the efficiency ofthe system and the quantity of heated water obtained from water to bedistilled. Salt may be produced from the resulting concentrated brineand credit obtained from the sale thereof to lower the overall cost ofobtaining distilled water. According to one embodiment of the invention,the still is portable and is easily assembled and disassembled.Advantageously, the stills are operative to distill seawater andbrackish water and may be used at sea, for example, on life boats, andin desert areas.

The collecting surface area of the apparatus of the present invention ismuch smaller than the collecting surface area of flat panel systems andis from about 2% to about 10% of the surface area of flat panel systemsfor comparable energy collection. Lower collecting surface areas resultin lower heat losses, higher efficiencies, lower cost for energyproduced, and require lower investment cost. The apparatus may beenclosed according to the invention to further reduce heat losses andform enclosed systems. Since the temperature of the fluid can be raisedto a relatively high value in the present invention, a variety ofsimultaneous uses are available including using a plurality of fluids ofdifferent boiling points for many different purposes. The highertemperatures attainable and the use of multiple fluids permit heatstorage during non-solar energy periods. The higher temperatures permitthe use of smaller storage tanks or other storage means. For example,for the same fluid, 21/2 times less space is required to store the sameheat at 200° C. than at 80° C. The higher boiling point fluids and theheat storage capability obviate the need for antifreeze. According tothe invention, diffuse solar energy representing up to about 40% of thesolar energy received is concentrated at the collector means and therebyutilized which is not the case with reflecting concentrators. Theefficiency of apparatus according to the invention is high and its costis low in comparison to known systems and the cost of obtaining energycompetitive with fuels. Moreover, the present invention has theadvantage of generating electricity, producing heat simultaneously orseparately and storing heat and is useful in many applications, thusincreasing system efficiency, utilization and amortizing the cost of thesystem. Since reflective surfaces which do not reflect diffuse solarenergy are not required to practice the present invention, the need tomaintain reflective surfaces which weather easily and frequently requirerefurbishing is obviated. Also, as will be more apparent hereinafter,tracking equipment is not essential to practicing the present invention,particularly tracking equipment of the type which follows the sun on adaily basis as the system is located east-west. Apparatus according tothe invention can advantageously be combined with a conventional heatpump producing and storing additional heat from the surrounding air orwater. This may be particularly significant during winter months whenlower sun energy is available and there is more consumption of energyfor heating.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be more apparentfrom the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof whenconsidered with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likenumerals refer to like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective diagram showing a system according tothe invention comprising an elongated fluid lens and a collectorcomprising two fluid-carrying conduits, one enclosed in the other withthe focus of the lens located within the inner conduit;

FIG. 1A is a cross-section view of another embodiment of the collectorof FIG. 1 showing a rectangular inner conduit on the upper surface ofwhich is located the focus of the lens of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective diagram showing another systemaccording to the invention similar to that of FIG. 1 comprising tworadially juxtaposed, elongated fluid lenses in which the focus thereofis located within the outer conduit;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective diagram showing still another systemsimilar to those of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to the invention comprisingthree radially juxtaposed, elongated fluid lenses in which the focusthereof is located on the upper surface of the outer conduit;

FIGS. 4-6 are cross-section views showing different configurations offluid lenses according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a series of longitudinallyjuxtaposed fluid lenses and means for inter-communicating the enclosuresof the repsective lenses, this arrangement being utilizable to arrange aplurality of longitudinally juxtaposed lenses where single lens are nowshown;

FIG. 8 is a detail perspective of FIG. 7 showing the lens frame;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lens system according to the inventioncomprising two separate plates for enclosing a lens fluid and a framefor sealing the plates into a fluid-tight lens;

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the lens and frame of FIG. 9 takenalong line 10--10;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective diagram similar to that of FIG. 1showing another system according to the invention in which the system isenclosed, the single lens is movable to follow the seasonal location ofthe sun and in which the collector comprises a single fluid-carryingconduit;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a planar, point-focusing, Fresnel-type lens;

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective diagram showing another systemaccording to the invention comprising an elongated, planar Fresnel-typelens having a linear focus and a collector comprising threefluid-carrying conduits in which an outer conduit encloses two innerconduits and in which the focus of the lens is located within the outerconduit;

FIG. 13A is a cross-section view of part of another collector comprisingthree fluid-carrying conduits in which the innermost conduit is enclosedby the intermediate conduit which is enclosed by the outermost conduit;

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective diagram showing yet another systemaccording to the invention comprising an elongated curvilinearFresnel-type lens and a collector comprising a single rectangularfluid-carrying conduit;

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective diagram of a composite systemaccording to the invention for distilling water comprising individualsystems each comprising two elongated fluid lenses and a collectorlocated in the water to be distilled comprising two fluid-carryingconduits, one enclosed in the other;

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective diagram of another composite systemaccording to the invention for distilling water similar to that of FIG.15 in which the collector comprises a single fluid-carrying conduit andlenses concentrating the solar energy in a single linear focus;

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective diagram of another system accordingto the invention for distilling water comprising a single elongatedfluid lens and a collector comprising a single fluid-carrying conduit;

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-section diagram of a composite systemaccording to the invention for distilling water comprising individualsystems, each comprising a single, elongated, movable fluid lens tofollow the seasonal location of the sun and a collector comprising asingle fluid-carrying conduit in which the individual systems areenclosed;

FIG. 19 is a transverse cross-section view of another enclosed systemaccording to the invention for distilling water also comprising asingle, elongated, movable lens and a collector comprising a singlefluid-carrying conduit;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view partly in cross-section of the system ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a transverse cross-section view of another enclosed systemaccording to the invention for distilling water also comprising asingle, elongated, movable lens and a collector comprising a singlefluid-carrying conduit, and having two sliding side panels which formbags for collecting the condensate;

FIG. 22 is a transverse cross-section view of still another systemaccording to the invention for distilling water comprising a single,movable elongated, planar Fresnel-type lens having a linear focus and acollector comprising a single fluid-carrying conduit;

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective diagram of a portable, easilyassembled and disassembled system having a fluid lens for distillingwater according to the invention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective diagram of another portable easilyassembled and disassembled system having Fresnel lenses for distillingwater according to the invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective diagram of still another portablesystem having fluid lenses for distilling water according to theinvention;

FIGS. 26 and 27 are plan side and front views, respectively, of anothersystem for distilling water according to the invention showing means foradjusting the inclination of the fluid lens and for adjusting thehorizontal orientation of the entire system.

FIG. 28 is a cross-section view of a photoelectric cell positioned in afluid-carrying conduit to produce electricity from solar energyaccording to the invention with fluid circulating inside and/or outsidethe conduit to remove heat; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a collector according to the inventioncomprising apertures for collecting solar energy from point focuslenses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIGS. 1-3, are shown solar energy collecting systems according to theinvention comprising refringent fluid lens concentrators andfluid-containing solar energy collectors. Referring to FIG. 1, system 20is shown comprising an elongated fluid lens concentrator 22 andcollector 24 in the form of elongated fluid-containing conduits.Elongated fluid lens 22 comprises solar energy transmitting plates 26,28 mounted in frame 30 and spaced to enclose solar energy transmittingfluid 31. In the emobodiment shown in FIG. 1, upper lens plate 26 isconvex and lower plate 28 is planar. The respective sides 32, 34 of lensplates 26, 28 and the ends of the lens plates (not shown in FIG. 1) aresealed to be fluid-tight in manners which will be described hereinafter.Alternatively, means not shown in FIG. 1 for adding and removing orcirculating fluid 31 and air are provided in the sides and/or ends ofthe lens plates. Additionally, means also not shown in FIG. 1 forlongitudinally and transversely (radially) juxtaposing lenses may beprovided and will also be described hereinafter. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 1, collector 24 comprises an outer elongated conduit 36enclosing an inner elongated conduit 38, both shown to be tubular inshape. Conduit 36 is placed in insulating container 40 and is surroundedby insulating material 42 except for a longitudinally extending opening44 located above conduit 36. Opening 44 is closed off by solar energytransmitting and heat insulating plate 46. Plate 46 is suitably made ofglass or plastic and the insulating material 42 is suitably a foam suchas polyethylene foam. Collector 24 is located below lens 22 and thetheoretical linear focus 48 is located at or along the collector forsubstantially all of the daylight hours. The space between the lens andcollector is enclosed by side panels 50 which if rigid can also serve tosupport lens 22 and frame 30 in cooperation with support member 52. Foroptimum concentration of solar energy at collector 24, lens 22 isoriented at a preselected angle A with the horizontal, the longitudinalaxis of the lens (and of the system) is oriented along the east-westdirection and the convex upper lens plate 26 is oriented to face south(northern hemisphere). The optimum value for angle A depends upon thelocation of the system 20, and for a fixed system is chosen to giveoptimum concentration on a seasonal basis. For movable systems, whichwill be described hereinafter, angle A is selected for optimum seasonalsolar energy concentration or for optimum concentration for even shorterperiods of time.

As mentioned hereinbefore, the collector 24 is located at thetheoretical focus 48 of the lens 22 and in the embodiment of FIG. 1,conduits 36 and 38 are solar energy transmitting, the theoretical focus48 being located within the inner conduit 38. Conduits 36 and 38containheat-carrying fluids 54 and 56, respectively. Since the concentration ofthe solar energy will be greatest in the fluid within the conduit atwhich the lens theoretical focus is located, i.e., in fluid 56 withinconduit 38, fluid 56 may be heated to a relatively high temperature andis therefore chosen to have a relatively high boiling point, forexample, from about 150° C. to about 350° C. Such fluids may comprise byway of example and not limitation lubricating oils, glycerine, oliveoil, paraffin oils, etc. Thus, during periods of sunshine, fluid 56 isheated to a temperature which may be in excess of 100° C., for example,200° C., the precise temperature attained depending on many factors suchas the flow rate of fluids 54, 56, the diameters of conduits 36, 38 sunintensity and position, insulation, heat exchange rates, etc. Fluidcirculating means 55, 57 are provided to control the circulation offluids 54, 56 through conduits 36, 38, respectively. Fluid 54 isselected to have a boiling point which is less than the boiling point offluid 56, preferably at least 50° C. less than the boiling point offluid 56, and preferably in the temperature range of from about -62° C.to about 100° C. Such a fluid is suitably water. It is also preferredthat fluid 54 have a low latent heat of vaporization, for example, fromabout 20 calories per kilogram to about 270 calories per kilogram, andsuch fluids may comprise by way of example and not limitation freon,butane, propane, ammonia, ethyl ether, methyl alcohol, etc.

In operation, solar energy is concentrated in fluid 56 (lubricating oil)within conduit 38 and raises the temperature of the oil to about 200° C.Since the focus to lens 22 is theoretically linear, fluid 56 will becontinually heated as it traverses the linear focus. Fluid 54 (water)which surrounds the oil and conduit 38 is heated primarily by the oilprimarily through conduction. Both fluids, oil and water, are circulatedby fluid circulating means 55, 57 at predetermined rates to obtaindesired temperatures and may be used for different heat applications.For example, the water may be heated to about 70° C.-80° C. or more andused for space and hot water heating. The water may be heated to lowertemperatures and used, for example, in swimming pools. The highertemperature oil may be used for applications requiring highertemperatures including industrial applications or may be used merely toheat the water. Since the temperature of fluid 56 increases as ittraverses the lens focus, fluids at many different temperatures arerealizable by providing taps for fluid outlet and/or inlet at differentpoints along the focus. Fluid 54 may be evaporated and the vapor orsuperheated vapor used to produce mechanical power in a turbine orengine which, in turn, may generate electricity. Preferably, a closedsystem (not shown) is employed in which the condensed fluid is returnedto collector 24. In such applications, fluids such as freon, butane,propane, ethyl ether, methyl alcohol, ammonia and the like mayconstitute fluid 54.

As mentioned hereinbefore, a serious drawback of solar energy systems ingeneral and known systems in particular relates to the storage of energyduring periods in which there is no sunshine or the intensity thereof islow, as for example during the night or during periods of cloudyweather. In accordance with the present invention, heat is stored foruse in those periods in fluid 56 which is heated during normal systemoperation to a temperature which is at least about 50° C. higher thanthe temperature of fluid 54. Therefore, even when fluid 56 is not beingheated by solar energy or being heated at a reduced rate, it stores heatand will continue to supply heat to fluid 54 due to the temperaturedifference between the two fluids. Preferably, the circulation of fluid56 is stopped by fluid circulating means 57 for those periods. Fluid 56continues to transfer heat to fluid 54 until the difference in thetemperature of the two fluids is relatively small. The time that fluid56 will transfer and/or store heat depends upon the initial temperatureof fluid 56, the difference in temperatures between the fluids, thevolumes of the fluid, the characteristics (specific heat, boiling point,latent heat, etc.) of the fluids the use to which fluid 54 is put, etc.

Further in accordance with the invention, the fluid 31 in lens 22 may becommunicated (not shown) with collector 24 through conduit 36 or 38 orthrough another separate conduit to remove heat from the lens fluid,thereby maintaining it at a suitable temperature while utilizing solarenergy absorbed by the lens fluid.

In FIG. 1, collector 24 was shown to comprise tubular conduits 36, 38.However, the conduits need not be tubular and in some instances otherconfigurations are preferred. For example, referring to FIG. 1A,collector 58 comprises rectangular inner conduit 59. The rectangularconfiguration may be desirable when the theoretical focus variesexcessively with seasons and the time of day in a single lens system asshown in FIG. 1. Providing a rectangular shape will allow movement offocus 48 while still maintaining it at conduit 59. Focus 48 has beenshown on the surface of conduit 49, and in such a case, the surface ofconduit 49 need not be solar energy transmitting and is preferablydarkened. Fluid 56 inside conduit 59, as in FIG. 1, has a higher boilingpoint than outer fluid 54 since the concentration of the solar energywill be at the conduit containing fluid 56.

It is to be understood that the systems shown in the remaining figuresand described hereinafter are longitudinally oriented in an east-westdirection and faced towards the sun preferably by plus or minus 15°(plus in winter, minus in summer) of the latitude of the location inorder to achieve an optimum concentration of solar energy, seasonally orfor shorter periods of time. It is to be further understood that theelongated lenses or lens system and the elongated collectors andconduits thereof are arranged substantially along parallel longitudinalaxes. Description will be made hereinafter of movable lens systems fortracking the sun; manual and automatic means for effecting trackingmovement of systems and/or lenses on a seasonal basis are known. Asmentioned hereinbefore, the refringent lenses according to the inventionare operative to also concentrate diffuse solar energy which mayrepresent up to about 40% of the solar energy at the system. While onlypart of a single lens is shown in FIG. 1, it is to be understood thatmany lenses may be longitudinally and radially juxtaposed to formsystems which will be more fully described hereinafter. Use of manylenses results in a system with a high degree of solar energyconcentration which is achieved quite economically.

Referring now to FIG. 2, solar energy collecting system 60 is showncomprising two transversely juxtaposed elongated fluid lenses 22positioned about a radial axis of elongated collector 62. System 60 issimilar to system 20 and will not, therefore, be described in detail.The system 60 is oriented generally as described hereinbefore and thelenses and collector are positioned to place the theoretical linearfocus 64 of at least one of the lenses at and along the collector 62 forsubstantially all of the sun's daily and seasonal locations. Lenses 22are supported by frame members 30 and support members 52. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, focus 64 is located within conduit 36 whichis solar energy transmitting. Thus, higher boiling point fluid 56 iscontained in conduit 36 and lower boiling temperature fluid 54 iscontained in conduit 38 which may include an opaque heat conductingupper surface. The interior of lenses 22 may be communicated at thesides and or ends thereof (not shown) and means (not shown) may beprovided for adding and removing fluid 31 and/or air.

In FIG. 3 is shown solar energy collecting system 70 including a systemof three transversely juxtaposed lenses 22 positioned about a radialaxis of collector 72 in which the linear focus of the lenses is locatedon the surface of conduit 36. Thus, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 issimilar to that of FIG. 2 except that three lenses are employed and thefocus is on the surface of conduit 36. While FIGS. 2 and 3 show two andthree lenses, respectively, it is to be understood that these are chosenfor purposes of illustration and systems according to the invention maycomprise more than three lenses. Conduits 36 and 38 may both includeopaque heat conducting surfaces and the surface of outer conduit 36 ispreferably darkened along the focus to enhance heat absorption form thesolar energy therealong.

The systems shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, of course, have the ability toprovide greater concentrations to the respective collectors than thesystem of FIG. 1 because of the increased lens surface area and also toprovide a greater concentration for a longer portion of the daylighthours because of the arrangement of the lenses along radial axes of thecollector.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, heating is accomplished by heatexchange between fluids 54 and 56 without the necessity of an externalheat exchanger which reduces heat losses. Side panels 50 which are madeof an insulating material further reduce heat losses. Additionally,plate 46 provides a greenhouse effect in the collectors to furtherreduce heat losses. Collector 24 is also preferably made of insulatingmaterial. The reduction in heat loss is especially important duringperiods of no or reduced sunshine. It is preferred that the theoreticalfocus of the lenses be located at the inner fluid (FIG. 1) to furtherreduce heat losses since the outer fluid will act as an insulator. Thesolar energy transmitting tubes in FIGS. 1-3 are preferably made ofcolorless and transparent glass or plastic and the tubes which need nottransmit solar energy therethrough are preferably metal, preferablysteel, copper or aluminum, and preferably have darkened outer surfaces.

According to the invention, the area of the collector surfaces may bemuch smaller than the area of the concentrators and may be only fromabout 2% to about 10% of the area of the concentrators, thus reducingthe heat losses accordingly. As less material is required in thecollector, the cost will be reduced.

As will be more apparent hereinafter, the collector systems may comprisea number of conduits other than two and configurations other thantubular, and the lenses and lens systems may be other than those shownin FIGS. 1-3 and may be movable and also track the sun.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-10, the fluid lenses according to the inventionmay have configurations other than those shown in FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 4is shown planar-convex lens 22 comprising curvilinear upper plate 26 andspaced planar lower plate 28 enclosing solar energy transmitting fluid31. The plates may be economically made of glass or plastic and arejoined at sides 32, 34 in a fluid-tight manner as by welding.Alternatively, lens 26 may be extruded with sides 32, 34 integrallyjoined. The ends of the lenses may similarly be welded or extruded. FIG.5 shows a bi-convex lens 78 comprising spaced curvilinear plates 26.Lens 78 is formed as described for lens 22. Lens 80 shown in FIG. 6comprises curvilinear upper plate 82, spaced planar lower plate 84 andside walls 86. Lens 80 is economically formed from a bulb of glass orplastic as by blowing as, for example, in the manufacture of glass orplastic bottles. The lenses shwon in FIGS. 4-6 when used in collectorsystems are supported by suitable frames and structural members. Forexample, lens 80 is supported by frame 88 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Asthere shown, a plurality of lenses 80 are longitudinally juxtaposed atends 90 and supported by longitudinal support stringers 92 andtransverse support stringers 94. The lenses may be secured to the frameby, for example, adhesives. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the theoreticalfocus 96 of the lenses is at and along collector 98. Means in the formof openings 100 are provided to add and remove fluid 31 and/or air andthe openings may be communicated by, for example, tubes 102 to providefor circulation of the fluid. The openings may be provided in otherlocations, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4-7 and referenced by 100. Asmentioned hereinbefore, the plates forming the lenses may be integrallyextruded or blown or may comprise separate plates joined as by welding.Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, upper curvilinear plate 26 and lowerplanar plate 28 are separate pieces and are joined in a fluid-tightmanner by means of frame 104. Frame 104 comprises two longitudinalgrooves 106, 108. The upper groove 106 is curvilinear and sized toaccommodate upper curvilinear plate 26 while the lower groove is linearand sized to accommodate planar plate 28. The edges of the respectiveseparate plates are inserted into the respective grooves along withsealing material 110. The ends of the plates are similarly joined. Thematerial 110 may comprise a gasket or similar flexible piece and/ordeformable material such as silicone to form fluid-tight joints. Thus,the lenses according to the invention in which two independent platesare joined or the lenses are extruded or blown, are relatively easy tomanufacture and are relatively inexpensive.

As mentioned hereinbefore, lens 22 may be movable to track the seasonalmovement of the sun. In FIG. 11, system 112 is shown in which the sidewalls 114, 116 are made of expandable plastic whereby the system remainsenclosed as described hereinbefore upon movement of lens 22 along aradial axis of the collector. With lens 22 in the positions designatedby solid lines, walls 114, 116 assume first positions connected betweenrespective bottomsides of collector 118 and sides 32, 34 of the lens.Upon counter-clockwise rotation of the lens to the position designatedby the broken lines, the lengths of the walls are changed and the systemremains enclosed. Thus, a simple, inexpensive, enclosed system isprovided in which the lens may be moved to track the seasonal locationof the sun. Still referring to FIG. 11, collector 118 is showncomprising a single tubular inner conduit in which the focus 120 islocated.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been madehereinbefore with reference to linear theoretical focus fluid lenses.However, in accordance with the invention, the solar energy may beconcentrated by focal point lenses and by solid lenses. In FIG. 12 isshown a plane refringent element 126 comprising a rigid frame 128surrounding a sheet or plate of plastic or glass material 130 in whichare formed by impressions or molding concentric closely spaced rings ormicroprisms 132 whose pitch, for example, corresponds to about 3 toabout 6 microprisms per millimeter. The plane refringent element 126acts like a plane Fresnel lens. Solar energy striking the refringentelement 126 is concentrated by the microprisms into a theoretical pointfocus (not shown). Refringent elements 126 may be positionedlongitudianlly juxtaposed as the fluid lenses in FIG. 7 and/or radiallyjuxtaposed as the fluids lenses in FIGS. 2-3. The system may be arrangedso that the point foci of lenses 126 are located within or at thesurface of conduits 36, 38, 59 as described hereinbefore, the series ofdiscrete point foci along a length forming, in effect, a linear focuscomposed of discrete point foci.

System 130 of FIG. 13 is shown employing an elongated refringent element132 having longitudinal microprisms 134 acting as a longitudinal Fresnellens. The lens 132 and collector 136 are arranged so that the linearfocus is located at collector 136 which is similar to collector 24 inFIG. 1 except that two inner conduits 138, 140 are enclosed in outerconduit 36. Linear focus 142 is located within conduit 36. Providingthree conduits permits use of three different fluids and allows for useof the fluids at varying temperatures for many different applications.FIG. 13A shows another arrangement for three conduits in which the innerconduit 139 is enclosed by intermediate conduit 141 which in turn isenclosed by outer conduit 36.

System 144 in FIG. 14 shows a rectilinear refringent element 146 formedwith longitudinal microprisms 118 which direct the solar energy todifferent linear foci F, F₁, F₂ located at collector 150 depending uponthe seasonal location of the sun. Collector 150 is located east-west soit is oriented to collect solar energy during daily movement of the sun,and comprises a single solar energy transmitting, at least at upper part152, rectangular fluid conduit 154 which is surrounded in part byinsulating material 42. Parts of system 144 are not shown to proportion.In particular, collector 150 is shown in larger proportion for clarityand is less than about 10% of the size of lens 146. A closed system isachieved by extending the sides of refringent element 146 and insulatingmaterial 42 into overlapping engagement. As described hereinbefore, useof a rectangular conduit 154 facilitates location of a moving focus suchas F, F₁, F₂ within the conduit. Although element 146 focuses primarilyby refracting the rays of the sun, the microprisms also providereflection or rays such as 156. The inside sides of element 146 may alsobe suitably angled and made reflective to reflect any rays impingingthereon to the focus.

The present invention may be utilized for many energy applications asdescribed hereinbefore and may also be advantageously used to distill orotherwise treat water by evaporation and condensation thereof.Typically, the water is seawater or brackish water and is to bedesalinated, or water containing minerals or other substances such asindustrial waste water or polluted water which is to be purified anddistilled. Further in accordance with the invention, the refringentconcentrators and collectors according to the invention are arranged insystems operative to distill water, preferably recovering the heat ofcondensation as described hereinafter. Preferred embodiments of suchsystems are shown in FIGS. 15-27.

The system 160 shown in FIG. 15 comprises a plurality of sub-systems162, each employing a two lens arrangement 164 as shown in FIG. 2. Eachlens pair 164 is supported in a manner similar to that described forFIG. 2 above an elongated, central, rectangularly configured channel 166and parallel, elongated, rectangularly configured, side channels 168such that the central part of the pair of lenses is above the centralchannels and the outer longitudinal edges of the lenses are above theside channels. Each individual lens is inclined and additionally thepair of lenses is rotated slightly in a clockwise direction such thatadjacent pairs are overlapping. The bottom lens plates 28 are planar.The water 170 to be distilled is filled in the central channel to apredetermined height. Within channel 166 is positioned collector 172which comprises conduits 36, 38 as in FIGS. 1-3. The focus 64 of thelens pair 164 is located within inner conduit 38. Preferably, theinterior of lenses 22 is communicated with collector 172. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 15, lens fluid 31 is advantageously water andthe interior of the lenses is communicated by conduit 174 with outerconduit 36 in which the fluid is also water. The fluid in the innerconduit 38 is a higher boiling point fluid as described hereinbefore. Inoperation, the water 170 to be distilled is heated by collector 172 dueto the solar energy concentrated thereat and the water 170 is vaporized.The vapor strikes the lower plates 28, is condensed thereon and flowstherealong to be discharged at or dropped from the edges thereof intoside channel 168. In accordance with the invention, the water in thefluid lenses is circulated through collector 172. In this way, the heatreleased by condensation of the vapor is transmitted through the plate28 to the water in the lenses and the heat absorbed by the water in thelens from the condensing vapor is returned to the system through conduit36. This is significant because the latent heat required to vaporize thewater 170 of about 539 calories per liter (975 BTU per kilogram) inaddition to the sensible heat is substantially returned to the system bythe circulated water in the lenses upon which the vapor condenses. Thislatent heat is substantial and would otherwise be lost. This results ina much higher efficiency of the system compared with solar stills wherechannels filled with water to be treated are covered with only glassplates which receive the solar rays. Circulating the water in the lensesalso cools the lower lens plates 28 thereby assisting condensationthereon. Conduits 175 and 176 are provided for filling and emptying therespective channels. The water 170 to be distilled may be held betweenpredetermined heights by a float system comprising float 178 and relays180 and 182. Movement of the float activates respective relays to startand stop a pump or motor valve (not shown). A similar arrangement may beused in side channels 168 or a gravitational drain arrangement may beemployed to maintain the height of distilled water in the side channelsbetween predetermined heights. The respective channels are communicatedto provide approximately equal levels in each of the respectivechannels. Advantageously, the channels are made of concrete or asbestoscement. Means other than the lens itself may be used to condense thevapor such as substantially smooth preferably planar plates locatedbelow the lenses 164. In such a case, the lens fluid may not recover thelatent heat unless the plate is proximate thereto. Alternatively, meansassociated with the plate may be used to recover the latent heat.

The system shown in FIG. 15 is substantially enclosed by the channelpanels to reduce heat loss as described hereinbefore. The two-conduitcollector 172 is particularly advantageous since the fluid in the innerconduit 38 may be raised to a high temperature and used to store heat asdescribed hereinbefore. This adds a very important capability to thesystem in that it can operate during the night and during periods ofreduced sunshine. This is very important in that it provides theadvantage of substantially continuous operation resulting in increasedsystem output at reduced cost. The recovery of the latent heat of thecondensing vapor by the lens fluid assists in providing a continuousoperation system since heat loses are reduced. The water distillationsystems described hereinafter operate in similar manner and descriptionthereof will therefore be more limited.

In FIG. 16 is shown another embodiment (system 186) for treating water170 employing a three lens arrangement (and a correspondingly largerarea of evaporation) such as the one shown in FIG. 3 and a collectorcomprising single conduit 188. Lenses 22 are supported generally asdescribed for FIG. 15 above central channels 190 and side channels 192shown to be semicylindrical. System 186 operates similar to the systemshown in FIG. 15. However, in FIG. 16 only a single conduit and fluidare used as the heating medium. Advantageously, the central channels aremade of concrete and the side channels of asbestos cement.

In FIG. 17, a single lens system, single conduit system 196 is shownwhich is similar to those described hereinbefore. The adjacent channels198, 200 for the water 170 to be distilled and the distilled water,respectively, are trough-shaped and may advantageously be formed fromadjacent plates. The inclined lens 22 is above channels 198, 200 and thelower part of lens 202 terminates above channel 200 to permit thecondensed water to fall therein.

In FIGS. 18-21 are shown systems of the single lens, single conduit typedescribed hereinbefore which are maintained essentially enclosed whilelenses 22 are moved to track the sun. In FIG. 18, an expandablematerial, as described for FIG. 11, forms the side panels 206, 208 ofeach compartment 210 of the system. Advantageously, the material is ofplastic. Opposed ends 212, 214 of adjacent side walls 208, 206 aresecured to respective sides of lenses 22. Adjacent interior side wallsare of one piece and are advantageously formed as a single sheet 216.Sheet 216 is wound partially about the circumference of tubular members218 which extend along longitudinal axes parallel to those of thechannels 220, 222. The tubular members are secured by means (not shown)to maintain sheets 216 as side walls 208, 206 as shown. The lower sides210 of lenses 22 terminate above channels 222. The evaporation andcondensation of the water proceeds as described hereinbefore. Inaddition to enclosing the system, condensed water flows down side panel208; and side panels 206, 208, when cooled by the outside environment,will provide additional condensation of vapor which will flow down panel206 as well. The system remains enclosed upon movement of the lens asfollows. If the lenses are rotated counterclockwise, interior sidepanels 206 move downwardly and interior side panels 208 move upwardlyabout tubular members 218. The exterior side panels 206a and 208a aresecured to the sides of respective channels 222 and are made of anexpandable material as described in FIG. 11.

In FIFGS. 19 and 20, another system 223 is shown for treating water inwhich the lens 22 is movable and the system maintained enclosed. Acentral elongated trough 224 holding water 170 to be treated is placedabove elongated semi-cylindrical member 226 along parallel longitudinalaxes. Member 226 is formed from sheet material 228 which is secured atopposed ends thereof 230, 232 to respective sides 32, 34 of lens 22.Sheet 228 extends from one end 230 thereof at lens side 32 downwardlybetween longitudinal tubular members 234 to form side wall 236, thendownwardly below trough 224 and upwardly between longitudinal tubularmembers 238 to form channel 226, then upwardly to terminate at end 232at lens side 34 and form side wall 240. Thus, system 226 is enclosed bya single sheet member. The tubular members permit the sheet to slidetherebetween and maintain the width of channel 226. When lens 22 isrotated clockwise, side wall 240 moves downwardly and side wall 236upwardly. Point 242 moves downwardly to become the bottom of the channelas referenced by 244 while the point previously at the bottom movesupwardly to be at point 244a.

In FIG. 21 is shown still another system 246 which is maintainedenclosed upon movement of the lens. In system 246, the side panels 248,250 are secured at opposed ends to lens sides 32, 34 and to opposedsides 252, 254 of central trough 256. The side panels 248, 250 arepassed between tubular members 234, 236 in a manner similar to thatshown in FIG. 21 to form outer channels, 258 one of which is below lowersides 32 of lens 22. Movement of the lenses 22 in a counterclockwisedirection causes side wall 250 to move upwardly reducing the size ofchannel 258 and side panel 248 to move downwardly increasing the size ofchannel 256.

In FIG. 22 is shown a single lens, single conduit system 260 employingan elongated, planar Fresnel-type lens 132 in which the side walls 262,264 are made of expandable material. Lens 132 is supported by solarenergy transmitting glass or plastic support 266 and inclined with thecentral part of the lens above elongated central channel 268 containingthe water 170 to be distilled and with lower part 272 above elongatedside channel 270. Vaporization and condensation proceed similar to thatdescribed for FIG. 18. System 260 is maintained enclosed upon movementof lens 132 by stretching and shrinking of side panel 262, 266 asdescribed for FIG. 11, opposed ends of the side walls being secured torespective sides of the lens and to respective parts of channels 270.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a portable water distillation system 280 isshown comprising elongated fluid lens 282 and single conduit collector284. The system is easily assembled and disassembled. Lens 282 is madeof flexible solar energy transmitting material such as clear plastic andforms an enclosure 286 when inflated by a fluid, advantageously water,which is introduced and removed and/or circulated by means includinginlet 288 and outlet 290. Air is also removed and introduced throughsaid means. Lens 280 is supported by frame 292 of metal or othersuitable material which comprises upper frame members 294 and sidesupport members 296. The upper ends 297 of the side support members 296are pivotably connected to the upper frame members 294 as by bolts 298such that each of the side support members is pivotable about the boltsin the directions indicated by the arrows. Means such as indentations300 are provided in platform 302 to secure the lower ends 304 of theside members in selected positions. Alternatively, a platform is notused and ends 304 may be secured in the ground or otherwise. Pivoting ofside members 296 adjusts angle A at which lens 282 is included forreasons which were described hereinbefore with respect to FIG. 1. Anelongated vessel 306 advantageously collapsible and made of lightweightplastic is hung from frame members 294 below the central part ofelongated lens 282 by cables or rope 308. Hinges 310 are provided tosecure the cables to the vessel. Vessel 306 contains the water 170 to bedistilled and conduit 312 is disposed within the water. A collectingvessel 314 is located below vessel 306 and below the lower inclined end316 of lens 288. Vessel 314 advantageously collapsible and made oflightweight plastic is also hung from upper frame members by cables orropes 308 and hinges 310. Vessel 314 is inclined preferably along thelongitudinal direction to assist in draining treated water therefrom bymeans such as valve 317 in outlet 318. Port 320 is provided in vessel306 for filling and emptying. Conduit 312 is advantageously collapsibleand made of lightweight plastic and is solar energy transmitting, thetheoretical linear focus of lens 282 being located within conduit 312.Distillation of water 170 by heating of the fluid in conduit 312,advantageously water, and evaporation of the water, condensation of thevapor on the lens and collecting of the condensate proceed as describedhereinbefore. Expandable side panels 320 may be provided to enclose thesystem and allow for movement of lens 282 as described hereinbefore andmay be used to form collecting bags as shown in FIGS. 19-22. Means areprovided to indicate the water levels in the vessels 306, 314 such asvertical transparent glass or plastic tubes 322, 324 located outsideside panels 320 and connected by tubing with the bottoms of the vessels.

In FIG. 24 is shown another embodiment of a portable water distillationsystem 330 which is easily assembled and disassembled. System 330comprises planar Fresnel lenses 126 of the type shown in FIG. 12 havingconcentric microprisms causing the solar energy to be concentrated atpoint foci. Lenses 126 are longitudinally and transversely juxtaposed toform a composite lens assembly of six Fresnel lenses which is inclinedwith respect to the horizontal, six being chosen for purposes ofillustration. The lenses are formed into an assembly by, for example,securing them as by adhesives to a solar energy transmitting glass orplastic plate 332 which, in the case of plastic, may be folded alongflexible partition lines 334. Each Fresnel lens may be about 9 inches byabout 7 inches and are presently available at a cost of about $0.40each. The point foci of the lenses are located in the water to bedistilled in flexible container or bag 336 made of plastic or otherplyable material. Flexible container or bag 338 made of plastic or otherflexible material located below and extending beyond container 336 isused to collect condensate from plate 332. The lens assembly andcontainers are supported by support assembly 340 comprising pairs oflegs 342, 344, frame 346 and platform 348. The legs are pivotablyconnected to frame 346 as described for FIG. 23 to adjust the angle ofincline of the lens assembly to follow the seasonal location of the sun.The containers or bags have side panels 350, 352 which extend upwards toplates 332 to form an enclosed system as described hereinbefore. Anopening is provided in side panel 352 at the lower side of plate 332 toallow the condensate to drop into the collector bag 338. Means such astransparent tubes 322, 324 connected to the bottom of the containers areused to indicate water levels therein as described for FIG. 23. The lensassembly, support assembly and containers are easily assembled anddisassembled. The foci located in the water to be distilled in container336 heat the water and cause it to evaporate, condensing on the bottomof planar plates 332. The condensate moves along plates 332 and fallsinto container 338. Depending upon location, production of distilledwater will be about 1 pound per hour for a system as shown in FIG. 24having a lens surface area of 10 square feet (about 1 square meter).This production of distilled water is without recovering the latent heatof condensation. Production of distilled water could be about six timeslarger if the latent heat of condensation is recovered. As mentionedhereinbefore, portable systems can be used at sea or in desert areas.

Still another portable distillation system 356 is shown in FIG. 25. Lensassembly 358 comprises longitudinally juxtaposed, linear focus, fluidlenses 360 mounted in frame 362. Lenses 360 and lens frame 362 aresimilar to those described with respect to FIGS. 6-8, the lenses beingblown and filled with liquid. The lens assembly is supported by pairs oflegs 364, 366 which are pivotably connected to frame 358 to change theangle of inclination of the lens assembly to follow the seasonallocation of the sun. Container 368 for the water to be distilled andcontainer 370 for the condensate are supported by frame 360 by cables orrope 308.

Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27, another distillation system 370 isshown. Lens assembly 372 is supported on frame 374 which in turn ispivotably supported by U-shaped support member 376. Threaded studs 378extend from the frame through the support member and threaded knobs ornuts 380 lock the lens assembly in position. Member 376 is secured inbase 382. Containers 384, 386 are supported from frame 374 by cables orropes 308. Side panels 388 are provided to enclose the system and aremovable with respect to rollers 390. Water to be distilled is added tocontainer 384 by tube 392 and distilled water is removed from container386 by spigot 394. The angle of incline of lens assembly 372 is changedto follow the seasonal location of the sun by loosening threaded knobsor nuts 380 to unlock the lens assembly, rotating the lens assembly to anew position, and tightening the knobs to lock the lens assembly.Pivoting of the lens does not move the containers. However, rollers 390permit movement of the lens assembly with respect to the side panels 388so that the system remains enclosed. The lens assembly and containersare manually rotatable about base 382 as a unit to further follow thelocation of the sun as follows. A threaded shaft 396 is rigidly securedto the lower part of the assembly, and base 382 comprises a threadedportion to accept the threaded shaft. This threaded arrangement betweenthe base and the shaft with the support member connected thereto permitrotation of the shaft and support member about the base. If desired,non-manual means such as motors can be used to rotate the system and/orto pivot the lens assembly.

According to another aspect of the invention, the concentrated solarenergy is used to generate electricity by means of photoelectric cells.More particularly, the luminous rays of the sun are concentrated onphotovoltaic cells. Referring to FIG. 28, photovoltaic cells 398 made ofsilicon or cadmium or other materials are disposed in the interior ofinner fluid-carrying conduit 400 shown advantageously to be ofrectangular crosssection. The theoretical focus 402 of the lens is atthe cells and preferably on the outer surface thereof. The cells may bejuxtaposed if the theoretical focus 402 is linear or spaced if thetheoretical focus 402 is a point focus. The concentrated luminous raysare converted to electricity by the cells while the heat absorbed by thecells from the infrared rays is removed by the circulating fluid 404 andalso by the fluid 406 circulating within the outer conduit 408. Theremoval of heat can be controlled by the size of the conduits 402, 406and by the volume and rate at which the fluid are ciculated. Preferablyfluid 404 is substantially electrically non-conductive such as air orother gases and liquids. Means (not shown) are provided for connectingthe cells in parallel or series and for removing the generatedelectricity. If fluid 404 is electrically conducting, means (not shown)are provided for electrically insulating the cells and the means forinterconnecting the cells and for removing the generated electricity.Conduit 402 has at least its upper surface made of transparent materialif the theoretical focus 402 is linear or transparent apertures may beprovided above the cells if the theoretical focus 402 is at a point. Theupper part of outer conduit 408 is also transparent. The details ofinner and outer conduits have been descibed hereinbefore.

As mentioned hereinbefore, in accordance with the invention,concentrating the luminous energy of the sun with a concentration of upto about 100 permits electricity to be generated at up to about 100times more power while the increased heat energy is dissipated andremoved by the fluids in the conduits. Electricity may be generated inconjunction with other uses of solar energy. For example, referring toFIGS. 1-3, using a dual fluid carrying collector, photoelectric cellsmay be inserted therein as just described and electricity generatedwhile the heat energy is being used to heat a structure.

An arrangement for using a point focus lens is shown in FIG. 29. Thetheoretical focus is at opening 410 in fluid-carrying conduit 412 whichis made of solar energy transmitting material. If desired, aphotoelectric cell may be located in opening 410. An insulating material414 surrounds conduit 412 except at openings 410. A point focus fluidlens is referenced by 416.

CONCLUSION

Prominent aspects and advantages of the invention may be summarized asfollows:

A lens concentration system is combined with a conduit collector systemin which the surface area of the concentrating system exposed to the sunis from about 10 to about 100 times larger than the surface area of thecollecting system through which the energy is concentrated. As a resultheat losses are reduced substantially since the collector has an areaof, for example, only from about 1% to about 10% of conventional flatplate collector systems and the overall surface area is about half thatof conventional flat plate systems. Thus, the efficiency overconventional flat plate systems is in the order of about 50% higher.This reduction in surface area reduces correspondingly the materialrequirements per unit of surface area exposed to the sun and theinvestment cost is also reduced correspondingly by about one-half.

More solar energy can be collected by the method and apparatus accordingto the invention since the collector conduits are oriented east-westthereby being located at the foci of the lenses throughout the day and,according to the invention, the lenses can be moved and positioned atvarious inclinations to optimally follow the seasonable location of thesun. This positioning of the lenses can represent up to 40% higher solarenergy collection. Even using auxiliary equipment to adjust theinclination of the lenses, the reduction in investment is in the orderof a third over flat panel systems. Not only is the investment cost muchless than known solar systems, but the operating cost of obtaining heatenergy is lower. Also the cost of heat derived from solar energyaccording to the invention is lower and may be up to one-third lowerthan the cost of petroleum fuels based on the usable heat content. Thisis of great importance to oil importing countries. Additionally, solarenergy is inexhaustable and does not produce pollution as does theburning of other fuels.

According to the invention, by concentrating the solar energy atelongated conduits, higher temperatures, for example, exceeding 200° C.(392° F.) are attainable using high boiling temperature fluids in theconduits such as lubricating oil, glycerine, etc. This is to be comparedwith to about 80° C. (176° F.) attainable by flat plate systems.According to the invention, multiple conduits, either conduit receivingthe foci of the lenses, allows storing solar heat to be used for hourswithout sunshine. The invention provides for storage of heated fluids inthe inner conduit at high temperature, for example, over 200° C. whichheats the outside fluid to lower temperatures, for example, 80° C. Usingthis arrangement permits a reduction in storage volume required by thehigher temperature fluid over fluids at about 80° C. According to theinvention, low boiling point and low latent heat of vaporization fluidssuch as freon, ether, etc. are used in the conduits which fluids arevaporized and superheated by the solar energy and used to produceelectricity in expansion motors such as turbines at lower cost thanusing fuel.

Electricity may also be produced according to the invention withphotovoltaic cells where the increased solar energy concentration of upto 100 times increases substantially the electric production andcorrespondingly reduces the cost of electricity. Several circulatingfluids in several conduits are employed to remove the heat developed bythe concentrated infrared solar rays.

Employing several fluids according to the invention permits simultaneoususe for many purposes such as heating water, heating buildings, airconditioning, producing electricity, etc.

An advantage of the present invention over reflecting systems is thatdiffuse sun energy of up to about 40% can be collected. Reflectingsystems generally require costly tracking equipment to follow thelocation of the sun and such reflective systems are more expensive forthis and other reasons including maintenance of the reflective surfaces.

Further according to the invention water containing salt or othersubstances is distilled using solar energy collection and concentrationaccording to the invention and recovering a large part of the latentheat of vaporization and sensible heat (about 1100 BTU/lb or 600cal/kg). This is accomplished by using the fluid circulating in the lenssystem to recover the latent heat and circulating the fluid in theconduit in the water to be distilled thereby heating the water to bedistilled. The salt from the concentrated brine may also be recoveredand sold or electrolyzed. Distillation according to the invention is atlow cost such that water may be produced for irrigation purposes. Theinvention provides for portable dismountable distillation units whichcould be used to distill sea water in life boats or brackish water inarid desert areas thereby possibly saving lives.

While specific applications of the invention have been described, manyare uses of the collected solar energy are possible. For example, thesalt by-product of desalination may be collected and sold to reduce theover-all operating cost of the system. Additionally, the salt may beseparated into sodium and chlorine by electrolysis by electricitygenerated by the solar energy collecting system. In this respect, watercan be separated into hydrogen and oxygen also by electrolysis, thehydrogen of which in turn may be used in the manufacture of liquidmethanol which is easily transported and may be used as fuel forautomobiles, airplanes, etc. The system described hereinbefore could becombined with known heat pumps to further utilize the collected solarenergy in combination with the heat provided by the heat pumps,particularly for refrigeration systems. In addition to providing energyfor heating, the systems according to the invention could be used forair conditioning and, as just mentioned, in refrigeration systems. Also,the multi-conduit collectors and fluids are capable of providingtemperatures of about 70° C. to about 80° C. for heating rooms and forheating water, and at higher temperatures, for example, about 180° C. toabout 200° C., for heat storage applications and to produce electricity.

The apparatus according to the invention has been described primarilyusing schematic diagrams. Accordingly, certain details not essential toan understanding of the invention have been omitted. For example, thematerials and support structure comprising the apparatus according tothe invention not described in detail will be known to those skilled inthe respective arts. The sizes of the parts of the apparatus describedhereinbefore will vary depending on the use to which the apparatus isput. For example, the lenses in FIG. 3 may each be 60 inches wide for atotal radial width of 180 inches for three lenses. The conduit in asingle conduit collector may be a tube 2 inches in diameter wherein theconcentration of the lenses on the tube is in the order of 90. In a twoconduit collector system, where the inner fluid is lubricating oilheated to about 200° C., the space required to store an equal amount ofheat will be about 21/2 times less than for a fluid such as water heatedto 80° C. Also, the multiple conduit system permits multiple uses forthe heats of the different fluids. For example, a fluid heated to about200° C. may be used to heat buildings and a fluid heated to about 70° C.to 80° C. may be used for heating water. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 7, 8,15, 16, 18, many fluid lens may be radially and longitudinallyjuxtaposed to form composite systems from individual systems or verylarge systems. The Fresnel-type lenses may have similar length and widthdimensions and may be similarly employed in composite or large systems.Portable distillation units may be used, for example, as mentionedhereinbefore, in lifeboats to distill sea water or in desert areas todistill brackish water and thereby possibly save lives. Portable unitsaccording to the invention could produce, for example, one pound ofdistilled water for every square meter (about 10 square feet) of lensconcentrator area exposed to the sun's rays, and this withoutrecapturing the heat of condensation. The production of distilled water,however, will be about six times as great if the heat of condensation isrecovered.

It is pointed out that the heat obtained from the sun using the energysystems according to the invention may be lower in cost than heat energyobtained from fuels which may thus be replaced. Heat storage provided bysystems according to the invention is a feature which also makes thesesystems competitive with fuels. The distillation systems according tothe invention are capable of providing distilled water at low cost andtherefore are important where clean water is scarce.

The advantages of the present invention, as well as certain changes andmodifications of the disclosed embodiments thereof, will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art. It is the applicant's intention tocover by their claims all those changes and modifications which could bemade to the embodiments of the invention herein chosen for the purposesof the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for collecting solar energy comprisingcollector means including at least two elongated conduits for passingfluids therethrough and at least two different fluids, said conduitshaving substantially parallel axes and being disposed so that an innerfirst of said conduits containing one of the different fluids therein isenclosed by an outermost conduit containing another fluid therein withthe fluids in said inner and outermost conduits being in a heatexchanging relationship, said inner and outermost conduits beingtransparent at least in part, said apparatus further comprisingelongated lens means having an axis extending substantially parallel tosaid axes of said conduits and being disposed to concentrate solarenergy through transparent portions of said inner and outermost conduitsto an elongated focus located substantially on or within andsubstantially along the length of said inner conduit.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein said lens means comprises a plurality oflongitudinally disposed point focus lenses for concentrating the solarenergy in substantially discrete points.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said lens means include at least one fluid lens which comprisesa solar energy transmitting lens fluid and spaced, solarenergy-transmitting lens plates enclosing said lens fluid, said lensfluid and said lens plates being selected to transmit therethroughsubstantially undiminished the infrared solar energy.
 4. The apparatusof claim 3 and further comprising means for connecting said fluid lenswith one of said inner and outermost conduits for transmitting saidsolar energy transmitting fluid between said lens and one of said innerand outermost conduits.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lensmeans comprises at least one Frensnel lens.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said lens means comprises a plurality of lenses positioned alongthe axis of said lens means.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidlens means comprises a plurality of lenses positioned along an arcuateaxis transverse to the axis of said lens means.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said inner and outermost conduits are substantiallytubular.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said innerand outermost conduits is rectangular at least in part.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid within said inner conduit has ahigher boiling point than the fluid in said outermost conduit.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the boiling points of said two fluids areseparated by more than 50° C.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein thefluid having the higher boiling point has a boiling point in excess ofabout 150° C.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the fluid havingthe higher boiling point has a boiling point less than about 350° C. 14.The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the fluid having the higher boilingpoint comprises at least one fluid selected from the group consisting oflubricating oils, glycerine, olive oils, and paraffin oils.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the fluid having the lower boiling pointhas a boiling point not greater than about 100° C.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the fluid having the lower boiling point has a boilingpoint in excess of about -62° C.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, whereinthe fluid having the lower boiling point has a low latent heat ofvaporization.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said low heat ofvaporization if from about 20 calories per kilogram to about 270calories per kilogram.
 19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the fluidhaving the lower boiling point comprises at least one fluid selectedfrom the group consisting of water, Freon, butane, propane, ethyl ether,ammonia and methyl alcohol.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein thefluid having the lower boiling point comprises at least one fluidselected from the group consisting of Freon, butane, propane, ethylether, ammonia and methyl alcohol.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1, andcomprising means for circulating said fluids through said inner andoutermost conduits and for controlling the circulation of said fluidsand for selectively stopping the circulation of at least one of saidfluids in its respective conduit.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1, andfurther comprising insulating means for insulating said apparatusagainst heat loss to its environment.
 23. The apparatus of claim 1, andfurther comprising means for moving said lens means for maintaining saidfocus substantially on or within and substantially along said length totrack the sun's position.
 24. An elongated collector for convertingconcentrated solar energy into heat energy comprising an elongatedcontainer including at least two elongated conduits for passing fluidstherethrough, said conduits and container having substantially parallelaxes, said container having an elongated opening having an axissubstantially parallel to that of the container, said conduits beingdisposed so that an inner first of said conduits containing one of thedifferent fluids therein is enclosed by an outermost conduit containinganother fluid therein with the fluids in said inner and outermostconduits being in a heat exchanging relationship, said inner andoutermost conduits being transparent at least in part, said containerincluding said elongated opening and transparent portions of said innerand outermost conduits being aligned to permit passage of solar energythrough said opening and transparent portions, whereby an elongatedfocus of concentrated solar energy may be located substantially on orwithin and substantially along the length of said inner conduit.
 25. Thecollector of claim 24, and further comprising insulating means forinsulating said collector against heat loss to its environment.
 26. Thecollector of claim 24, wherein said collector further comprises solarenergy transmitting means enclosing at least part of said collector andpermitting concentration of the solar energy on or within said innerconduit and inhibiting loss of heat from said collector.
 27. Thecollector of claim 24 wherein the fluid within said inner conduit has aboiling point at least about 50° C. higher than the boiling point of thefluid in said outermost conduit.
 28. The collector of claim 27, whereinthe fluid having the higher boiling point has a boiling point of fromabout 150° C. to about 350° C.
 29. The collector of claim 27, whereinthe fluid having the higher boiling point comprises at least one fluidselected from the group consisting of lubricating oils, glycerine, oliveoils, and paraffin oils.
 30. The collector of claim 27, wherein thefluid having the lower boiling point has a boiling point of from about-62° C. to about 100° C.
 31. The collector of claim 27, wherein thefluid having the lower boiling point has a low latent heat ofvaporization of from about 20 calories per kilogram to about 270calories per kilogram.
 32. The collector of claim 27, wherein the fluidhaving the lower boiling point comprises at least one fluid selectedfrom the group consisting of water, Freon, butane propane, ethyl ether,ammonia and methyl alcohol.
 33. The collector of claim 32, wherein thefluid having the lower boiling point comprises at least one fluidselected from the group consisting of Freon, butane, propane, ethylether, ammonia and methyl alcohol.
 34. The collector of claim 24 andincluding means for circulating said fluids and for controlling thecirculation of said fluids and for selectively stopping the flow of atleast one of said fluids in said inner and outermost conduits.
 35. Amethod for collecting solar energy comprising concentrating solar energyin a narrow elongated focus and locating said focus on or within andsubstantially along the length of a first elongated conduit which istransparent at least in part, contains a first fluid therein and isenclosed by a second elongated circuit which is also transparent atleast in part and contains a second different fluid therein, the axes ofthe conduits and the focus being substantially parallel, the methodincluding the steps of placing the two fluids in a heat exchangingrelationship, selectively circulating the fluids through the conduitsand concentrating the solar energy through the transparent portions ofthe conduits to said focus.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein theboiling point of said first fluid is at least about 50° C. greater thanthat of said second fluid.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein saidfirst fluid is permitted to rise in temperature to be at least about 50°C. above the temperature of said second fluid and heat is selectivelytransferred from said first fluid to said second fluid.
 38. The methodof claim 37, wherein the rate of circulation of said first fluid isselectively controlled to transfer heat to said second fluid.
 39. Themethod of claim 36, wherein that said focus is located within said firstfluid and said first fluid has a boiling point of from about 150° C. toabout 350° C.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the boiling point ofsaid second fluid is from about -62° C. to about 100° C.
 41. The methodof claim 40, wherein said second fluid has a low latent heat ofvaporization of from about 20 to about 270 cal/kg.
 42. Apparatus forcollecting solar energy comprising collector means including at leasttwo elongated conduits for passing liquids therethrough and at least twodifferent liquids, said conduits having substantially parallel axes andbeing disposed so that an inner first of said conduits containing afirst liquid is enclosed by an outermost conduit which is transparent atleast in part and contains a second liquid therein, the liquids in saidinner and outermost conduits being in a heat exchanging relationship,the apparatus further comprising elongated lens means having an axisextending substantially parallel to the axes of said conduits and beingdisposed to concentrate solar energy through a transparent portion ofsaid outermost conduit to an elongated focus located substantially onand substantially along the length of said inner conduit.
 43. Theapparatus of claim 42, wherein said inner conduit is transparent atleast in part, the elongated focus passing through a transparent portionof said inner conduit and being located substantially within andsubstantially along the length of said inner conduit.
 44. The apparatusof claim 42, wherein said first liquid has a higher boiling point thansaid second liquid.
 45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said firstliquid has a boiling point of greater than about 150° C. and said secondliquid has a boiling point of less than about 100° C.
 46. The apparatusof claim 42 and including means for circulating said liquids and forcontrolling the circulation of said liquids and for selectively stoppingthe flow of at least one of said first and second liquids in said innerand outermost conduits.
 47. An elongated collector for convertingconcentrated solar energy into heat energy comprising an elongatedcontainer including at least two elongated conduits for passing liquidstherethrough and at least two different liquids, said conduits andcontainer having substantially parallel axes, said container having anelongated opening having an axis substantially parallel to that of thecontainer, said conduits being disposed so that an inner first of saidconduits containing a first liquid is enclosed by an outermost conduitwhich is transparent at least in part and contains a second liquidtherein, the liquids in said inner and outermost conduits being in aheat exchanging relationship, said container including said elongatedopening and transparent portion of said outermost conduit being alignedto permit passage of solar energy through said opening and transparentportion, whereby an elongated focus of concentrated solar energy may belocated substantially on and substantially along the length of saidinner conduit.
 48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said inner conduitis transparent at least in part with a transparent portion thereof beingaligned with said transparent portion of said outermost conduit and saidopening, whereby the elonged focus may be located substantially withinand substantially along the length of said inner conduit.
 49. Thecollector of claim 47, wherein said first liquid has a higher boilingpoint than said second liquid.
 50. The collector of claim 47, whereinsaid first liquid has a boiling point of greater than about 150° C. andsaid second liquid has a boiling point of less than about 100° C. 51.The collector of claim 47 and including means for circulating saidliquids and for controlling the circulation of said liquids and forselectively stopping the flow of at least one of said first and secondliquids in said inner and outermost conduits.
 52. A method forcollecting solar energy comprising concentrating solar energy in anarrow elongated focus and locating the focus on and substantially alongthe length of a first elongated conduit containing a first liquidtherein enclosed by a second elongated conduit which is transparent atleast in part and contains a second different liquid therein, the axesof the conduits and the focus being substantially parallel, the methodincluding the steps of placing the liquids in a heat exchangingrelationship, selectively circulating the liquids through the conduitsand concentrating the solar energy through a transparent portion of thesecond conduit to said focus.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein theinner conduit is transparent at least in part and the elongated focus ispassed through a transparent portion of the inner conduit and locatedsubstantially within and substantially along the length thereof.
 54. Themethod of claim 52, wherein said first liquid has a higher boiling pointthan said second liquid.
 55. The method of claim 52, wherein said firstliquid has a boiling point greater than about 150° C. and said secondliquid has a boiling point of less than about 100° C.
 56. The method ofclaim 52 and including the steps of regulating the flow of liquid in theinner and outermost conduits and selectively stopping the flow of liquidin at least one of the inner and outermost conduits.